Smart Buys for the Holiday Season

Posted by Angela Machetta on November 13, 2018 at 7:39 AM

This holiday season, we want to help you shop smart! Between Thanksgiving and the first week of the New Year, consumers are bombarded with exclusive deals from their favorite retailers and online shops. According to statistics from the National Retail Federation “consumers plan to spend a total of $1,007 on average for items such as decorations, candy, and gifts as well as other purchases for themselves and their families.”

We have a list of the best items to buy during the holiday season to help you maintain your budget and beat the spending statistics.

Decorations

Before purchasing decorations, it may be better to inventory your existing holiday décor. From 2016 to 2018, most families have spent or expect to spend around $100 on decorative items, greeting cards, and postage for the holidays. Here’s a couple of tips on how to save on decorations:

Consider purchasing holiday decorations at estate sales and online auctions, like those hosted by Caring Transitions.

Look at your local thrift store for great items to decorate your holiday table

According to homeware expert Donna Doyle, November is the perfect time to purchase appliances retail. If you are in the market for an oven, dishwasher, or other large appliances consider purchasing them gently used or refurbished to save 200-400%. Be sure to research the appliance brand or furniture maker, ask questions about condition and usage, as well as test the item to make sure it’s in working condition before you make the purchase.

Electronics

Retail trends experts at dealnews.com recommend waiting to buy high-end electronics after the Christmas since “many top brands introduce new models of high-end computers and top-of-the-range Smart TVs at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.” This usually results in previous models being discounted or sold resale for a fraction of the original retail cost.

Apparel

Clothing is another category of retail with a significant markup. Most of us buy clothing frequently. From basic items like shirts and slacks to more expensive items like cashmere sweaters and designer denim, we may pay from 100-350% in retail markups. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals include “more clothing deals come [in] November than any other type of offer, except for home and garden items,” says Doyle.

Resale industry experts say “[t]hrifting your clothes can save you up to 90 percent on everything from jeans to tuxedos.” One thing to keep in mind is retail trends show the best Winter or seasonal apparel deals will happen in January.

Toys

The cost of toys can add up over time. Especially when children quickly lose interest. TheSpruce.com suggests “[b]uying used toys are the perfect way for families to remain within a budget. Passing on and purchasing used toys to other children is also a way to ‘go green’ and support the long-term health of the environment.” Some of the items on your little one’s list may include toys experts say you should always buy used like dollhouses, video game systems, Board games, dice games, and card games.

Interested in some of the items on this list? We have the perfect place for you to shop wherever you are! Register on CTBids.com today to search through great deals on the items you love. Follow these three easy steps: